Canadiens' Hughes 'hopeful' to sign prospect Jordan Harris

Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes just wrapped up his first NHL trade deadline, and now his focus will be on signing defenseman Jordan Harris.

The Canadiens selected Harris with the 71st pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. He's spent the last four seasons at Northeastern University and will become a free agent this summer if he opts not to sign his entry-level deal with Montreal.

"We've talked about what the opportunity would be in Montreal for him if he chooses to (sign). He's an impending free agent if he doesn't sign with us," Hughes said. "Our hope is that he does. We kind of laid out what we're trying to do with the organization, what our plan is, and how we see him fitting in."

Hughes added that he's known Harris for a long time, coached him in the past, and his oldest son has played with and against him since childhood.

"Hopeful that there's a little bit of familiarity that works in our favor," Hughes said.

The 21-year-old blue-liner has been one of the NCAA's premier defensemen over the past few seasons and was named Northeastern's captain this year. He's shown immense promise in his two-way game as a skater who can get things done both offensively and defensively.

Despite being left-handed, Harris has played most of his college career on the right side. Harris won't be eligible to sign a contract until his team's season is over. The NCAA playoffs could last until April 9.

Harris has collected 73 points in 129 games over the past four seasons at Northeastern.